Elder Abuse: Types, Warning Signs and Support

As Seniors grow older, they will become more physically & mentally frail. Learn strategies to stay healthy and independent in our Ageing Well Guide. Because of this, they’re less able to stand up to bullying and/or fight back if attacked by other people. Many people with ill intentions know this, and thus, have carried out abuse or elaborate fraud schemes targeting Seniors.

Elder abuse is a serious issue that can affect older people in homes, facilities, and communities. It refers to any act, or lack of action, that causes harm or risk of harm to an older person. Elder abuse can take many forms, from physical harm and neglect to financial exploitation. Families, carers, and staff play a vital role in recognising, preventing, and reporting elder abuse so that every older person can live with dignity, respect, and safety.

What is Elder Abuse and Neglect?

The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as:
“Elder abuse is an intentional act, or a failure to act, by a caregiver or other trusted person that causes harm or risk of harm to an older adult (commonly defined as ≥60), encompassing physical, psychological, sexual and financial abuse, neglect, and abandonment.”

Elder abuse and neglect can occur in any setting where older people receive care – aged care facilities, hospitals, or even within their own homes. The perpetrators may include family members, professional caregivers, staff, or even other residents. Recognising the different forms of abuse and who might be responsible is the first step in safeguarding vulnerable older adults.

How Common Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is more common than many people realise. Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 6 people aged 60 or older experience some form of abuse each year. In New Zealand, reported cases are steadily increasing, though experts believe many incidents go unreported.

Under-reporting often happens because of cognitive impairment, dependency on the abuser, fear of retaliation, or a lack of awareness about what constitutes abuse. In New Zealand, “elder abuse” includes physical, emotional, financial, sexual harm, and neglect. This broad definition highlights the importance of recognising signs beyond visible injuries.

A 2021 report from Age Concern New Zealand indicated that thousands of cases are referred to elder abuse services each year, but these numbers likely represent only a fraction of what truly occurs. Families, carers, and professionals must remain alert, as elder abuse is both widespread and often hidden.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Certain older adults are at greater risk of abuse due to health, social, or situational factors. Seniors who are frail, living with dementia, experiencing social isolation, or facing communication barriers are particularly vulnerable. These factors can limit their ability to speak up or protect themselves.

On the other hand, caregiver-related factors can also contribute. Stress, burnout, and substance misuse may increase the likelihood of abusive behaviours. In some cases, frustration with challenging behaviours or unmet support needs can escalate into harmful actions.

Systemic and facility issues also play a role. Low staffing levels, inadequate training, weak oversight, or poorly enforced policies can create environments where abuse is more likely to occur and harder to detect. Understanding these risk factors helps communities and organisations strengthen safeguards.

The 6 Types of Elder Abuse

Abuse of older adults takes many forms. Some involve neglect and abandonment, while others exploit financial resources or use threats and intimidation. Below are six of the most common types:

Physical Abuse

This includes any non-accidental use of force that causes injury or pain, such as hitting, shoving, or restraining. It also covers inappropriate use of medications, restraints, or confinement against the Senior’s will.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional harm occurs when a Senior is intimidated, humiliated, or blamed unfairly. This can involve yelling, threats, ridicule, ignoring, isolating, or deliberately causing fear.

Sexual Abuse

Any non-consensual sexual contact is abuse. This may involve physical acts or forcing Seniors to view explicit material or undress against their will.

Neglect or Abandonment by Caregivers

Neglect accounts for more than half of reported elder abuse cases. It can be deliberate or due to ignorance of the Senior’s needs. Examples include failing to provide food, hygiene, medical care, or leaving a person without necessary support.

Financial Exploitation

This involves the misuse of a Senior’s money or property. Common examples are stealing cash, forging signatures, misusing accounts, or scamming Seniors with fake prizes, charities, or investments.

Warning Signs & Red Flags

Recognising abuse early is critical. Warning signs can be physical, behavioural, environmental, or financial:

• Physical/medical: Unexplained bruises, frequent ER visits, sudden decline in health, oversedation.
• Behavioural: Withdrawal, fear around certain staff, agitation, or reluctance to speak.
• Environmental/facility: Persistent odours, unanswered call bells, missing care plans, restricted visits.
• Financial: Unexplained bank changes, unpaid bills despite funds, missing valuables.

Families and staff should treat these as red flags and investigate further when observed.

What You Can Do If You Suspect Abuse

Contact the Elder Abuse Response Service: this is a free, confidential 24-hour helpline. You can call 0800 EA NOT OK (0800 32 668 65), text 5032, or email support@elderabuse.co.nz for assistance.

If you want to know more on how we support seniors, so that they can stay safely in the comfort of their own homes for longer, contact us on 09 300 6053. If you’d like to explore more about how we protect and empower older adults, read our Circle of Care philosophy